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Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI Avantgarde
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There’s tough and there’s really tough. And when you look through the list of potential winners in this class, you start to wonder how one vehicle could possibly shine among such a range of high quality, value packed offerings. Just about all classes this year were very tightly contested, this one perhaps even more so. So, finding one to stand above the others was going to be difficult. The Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI did just that, and how. Across all scoring options and all manner of driving tests and styles, the combination of C Class body style and brilliant diesel engine is pretty much irresistible. You expect a Mercedes-Benz to feel bullet proof and indestructible and that’s an expectation forged in the legend of decades of quality. The C Class does that – feel indestructible - in every way, but also delivers a level of refinement and elegance that is almost unmatched in any class. It’s more expensive than the other two finalists – in the case of Passat almost $14,000 more – but drive the C250 CDI under any conditions and you’re left feeling that every cent was worth it. This is a brilliantly built vehicle. Every part of it feels solid and well executed. Inside, there’s elegance and quality everywhere you look, from switchgear and controls to surface finishes and material. Comfort levels are high as is standard safety which includes all the airbags you’d expect and every conceivable electronic driving aid. In terms of space, the C Class is the equal of the BMW and stronger than the Passat, while its ergonomics are just about best in class. The exterior styling is both refined and muscular, no matter which angle you’re looking at it from. Mercedes-Benz has almost made their general model range look more ‘AMG’ than ever and in the case of the attractive C Class sedan, this styling mandate makes the most sense of all. Importantly, inside and out, it looks like you have spent a whole lot more money than you actually have. That’s important in any sector, maybe more so in this one. On road, the diesel engine is brilliant but it’s almost overshadowed by the slick shifting and silky smooth 7-speed auto transmission, which always seems to find the right ratio to keep the oiler in the meat of its torque curve. This in turn, delivers a general drive experience that is as good as it gets. Handling, braking, ride and general on road performance are all class leading. Through our slalom testing, the C Class had judges struggling to believe it was a non tuned sedan such was its composure. While $67,900 isn’t cheap in general terms, you do get a whole lot of car for your money. And it's delivered with typical Benz build quality, attention to detail and a sense of style. If you’re looking for a luxury 4-door sedan that does it all with ridiculous ease without breaking the bank, the C250 CDI is the ultimate choice.
Finalists
Previous Results
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